as we say in the navy, jay, well done. may you and your family have fair wind and good seas. i yield back. mr. woodall: i thank the gentleman. mr. speaker, at this time it's my great pleasure to yield to the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. thompson. mr. thompson: i thank the gentleman from georgia for hosting this hour. and an opportunity to recognize and thank a good friend, jay pearson, who started his work in the u.s. house of representatives in 1978, in the office of the general clerk under then majority leader john rhodes. where he learned the intricacies of the house and legislative procedures while keeping official minutes in this chamber. in 1979 he began working in the republican cloakroom where he remained for seven years before beginning a new position as floor assistance it -- floor assistant to the republican leader in 1986. since then jay has served as floor assistant to three speakers of the house, including newt gingrich, dennis hastert and the current speaker, john boehner. the career that has spanned over 35 years, jay has served as an invaluable role for s